Overview
- The NHL issued a $2,000 fine to Philadelphia winger Matvei Michkov for embellishment, marking his second citation of the season.
- The cited play occurred during a loss to Columbus when Michkov went down after contact with defenseman Dante Fabbro, who was called for cross-checking on the same sequence.
- Michkov previously received a warning for an earlier incident against the Buffalo Sabres, which counts as the first step under the league’s anti-embellishment policy.
- Under Rule 64, fines rise with repeat offenses, moving from $2,000 on a second citation to $3,000, then $4,000, and $5,000 for any further citations, with money directed to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.
- The rule also penalizes teams, as a head coach faces a $2,000 fine once club players reach four embellishment fines, with higher amounts for each additional player fine.